The country's hottest restaurants of the season, opening soon.

At long last, summer is on the horizon and with it comes a whole slew of restaurant openings. As in years past, this spring and summer promise to be action-packed.

In the next few months you'll see the nation's preeminent fine-dining chefs try their hand at casual fare. In Chicago, Alinea's Grant Achatz is opening his first ever a la carte restaurant (Roister) and in Dallas, FT33's Matt McCallister is going low key with his second restaurant (Filament). Taking things even further is Saison's Joshua Skenes, who is opening a fast-casual noodle shop where he aims to keep the hearty bowls at $10 and under (Fat Noodle).

If a lot of the chefs in the list below look familiar, it's because this season is dominated by empire-building Top Chef alums. Paul Qui is opening a tiny, high-end omakase counter poised to be one of Austin's most expensive dinners (Otoko), while Nina Compton is readying herself to invade New Orleans with an as-yet unnamed new restaurant. Kevin Gillespie is bringing his take on the classic Southern meat-and-three to Atlanta (Revival), while Sarah Grueneberg is opening her very first restaurant in Chicago (Monteverde). Tiffani Faison and Stephanie Izard are both exploring Asian cuisine with their next projects (Tiger Mama in Boston and Duck Duck Goat in Chicago, respectively).

Other stray observations: There are some food halls on the list below, and even more in Eater's guide to upcoming food halls around the country. Several projects are tied to hotels; chefs opening in new cities and local veterans alike are partnering with hoteliers to make their next projects happen. And the dining trends that have defined the past few years — wood-fired cooking, Spanish-influenced tapas, high-end pizza, cheffy fried chicken — are all going strong. Below, the joy and the madness that will be the spring/summer restaurant opening season:

Location: 129 Church Street, Decatur, GA Chef: Kevin Gillespie Projected opening: Early June 2015 Beloved Top Chef contestant and Atlanta restaurateur (Terminus City, Gunshow) Kevin Gillespie is creating a modern take on a traditional Southern restaurant staple: the meat-and-three. Eater Atlanta reports the menu will feature "seasonal meats, fish, and fresh vegetables, with options that change daily." With an a la carte option and a family-style dinner reminiscent of a home-cooked meal, Gillespie aims to "breathe new life" into the meat-and-three format by focusing on "farm-raised and artisan-prepared ingredients." · All Revival Coverage [EATL]

Photo: Matthew Wong/Eater Atlanta

Location: 1603 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX Chef: Paul Qui Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Empire-building Top Chef winner Paul Qui is no stranger to sushi, having climbed the ranks at Austin's sushi mecca Uchi (and then opening Uchiko). Now he's opening a high-end 12-seat sushi and kaiseki counter this summer at the upcoming South Congress Hotel, where it will join two additional restaurants. Eater Austin learns that Qui is currently planning an omakase menu that will be priced around $150 — making it one of Austin's most expensive dinners. Want in? You'll have to buy a ticket. · All Otoko Coverage [EATX]

Location: 1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Chef: Tim Cushman Projected Opening: Spring/Summer 2015 Boston's restaurant power couple Tim and Nancy Cushman (of O Ya) are at it again. Their next project is an izakaya at the Verb Hotel. Reps for the restaurant tell the Boston Globe that the menu will "showcase a whole different side of Japanese culture... kind of Tokyo pop" with "creative maki rolls." Also, based on job postings from last fall, there might be karaoke. The Cushmans are busy this season, seeing as how their second location of O Ya is slated to open in NYC soon, too. · All Hojoko Coverage [EBOS]

Location: 1363 Boylston St, Boston, MA Chef: Tiffani Faison Projected Opening: July 2015 A Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant might not be the most obvious follow-up and neighbor for chef Tiffani Faison's popular barbecue destination Sweet Cheeks, but the Top Chef alum reportedly travels to that area of the world often. At the upcoming Tiger Mama, expect Faison's takes on street food from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Tiger Mama will also be home to two bars, reports Eater Boston, one of which will be tiki-themed.

· All Tiffani Faison Mama Coverage [EBOS]

Location: 1011 King Street, Charleston, SC Partners: Robert Stehling, Dave Uecke Projected Opening: Late April/Early May 2015 A trademark debacle has not dulled the city's fervor for this upcoming fried chicken joint by chef Robert Stehling. Eater Charleston reports that along with fried chicken, biscuits, and beer, fresh hot doughnuts will be on offer at Chick's Fry House. According to the restaurant's press materials, the menu will also include fried fish and fried pork (served in baskets or as sandwiches) plus sides like stewed greens, mac and cheese, and tomato pudding — all based on recipes from Stehling and Dave Uecke's menu at the beloved Hominy Grill.

· All Chick's Fry House Coverage [ECHS]

Location: 951 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL Partners: Grant Achatz, Nick Kokonas Projected Opening: May 2015 What happens when one of the country's most acclaimed fine dining, modern-minded chef takes on casual a la carte? Chicago will soon find out when chef Grant Achatz and partner/ticketed reservations guru Nick Kokonas open the doors to Roister. Details have been scant, but Eater Chicago reports the restaurant will be "the antithesis of Alinea or Next" with "rustic and refined" food served in a dining room with "intentionally loud music and tables spaced closely together." Eater Chicago also notes that the May target is a moving one. · All Roister Coverage [ECHI]

Location: 1020 W Madison Street, Chicago, IL Chef: Sarah Grueneberg Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Spiaggia's former longtime executive chef Sarah Grueneberg is working her way towards opening her own place. Eater Chicago reports that construction is now underway at Monteverde, where the Top Chef finalist will serve a "modern take on authentic Italian cuisine" in a sprawling 3,800-square-foot West Loop space. · All Monteverde Coverage [ECHI]

Location: 857 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL Chef: Stephanie Izard Projected Opening: Summer 2015 James Beard Award-winning chef Stephanie Izard teased her third Chicago restaurant to Eater last summer, saying only that she was "ready to try something new." Last month she revealed the plan to Eater Chicago: The project would represent her own "take on Chinese cuisine," opening in partnership with Boka Restaurant Group's Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz. The restaurant is in Izard's home base West Loop neighborhood, and reps note that opening may well creep into late summer. · All Duck Duck Goat Coverage [ECHI]

Location: 2626 Main Street, Dallas, TX Chef: Matt McCallister Projected Opening: May/June 2015 Ever since chef Matt McCallister (of Dallas' upscale hit FT33) told Eater last summer that he was working on a second restaurant, expectations have been running high. Eater Dallas learned that Filament will be a "casual Southern eatery" with "both approachable and unexpected dishes." According to a press release, the restaurant will have a serious bar program, too, featuring "about 100 bottles of wine, a rotating lineup of craft beers on tap, and an inventive selection of seasonal cocktails" served at a 24-seat horseshoe-shaped bar. · All Filament Coverage [EDFW]

Location: 2227 W 32nd Avenue, Denver, CO Partners: Max MacKissock, Juan Padro, Katie Padro Projected Opening: July 2015 This new pizzeria was only recently announced, but the city's on high alert. Leading the kitchen is Eater Denver's 2012 chef of the year Max MacKissock (formerly of the Squeaky Bean), who will be serving wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and roasted meat and veg. He's partnering with Highland Tap & Burger proprietors Juan and Katie Padro.  · All Max MacKissock Coverage [EDEN]

Location: 1942 Grand River, Detroit, MI Chef: Kate Williams Projected Opening: July 2015 Commence phase two of chef Kate Williams's ambitious plan to bring two dining destinations to Detroit's Grand Army of the Republic Building. Republic opened first (back in February) and has been heating up the dining scene with "its historic tavern feel and menu composed of small plates and 'feasts,'" reports Eater Detroit. The initial plan for Parks and Rec is to be more like a diner, and Williams says she's now busy menu testing for the restaurant. · All G.A.R. Building Coverage [EDET]

Photo: Michelle and Chris Gerard

Locations: 1801 N Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX; 4721 N Main Street, Houston, TX Chefs: Graham Laborde, Richard Knight, PJ Stoops Projected Opening: Late May 2015 The Houston-based Treadsack restaurant group is bringing three new restaurants to Houston. First up is Hunky Dory, a neighborhood tavern with a kitchen led by Richard Knight. Sharing a building (but not a kitchen) with Hunky Dory is the recently-announced Bernadine's, a Gulf Coast-inspired seafood destination headed up by chef Graham Laborde. And then there's Foreign Correspondents, a farm-to-table Thai operation with chef PJ Stoops at the helm. The latter is trailing a bit behind the other two in terms of construction; expect FC to open in another three months. · All Treadsack Coverage [EHOUS]

· Bramble · Mein Restaurant · SaltAir Seafood Kitchen · The Dunlavy

Location: 302 S Rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV Chef: Alex Stratta Projected Opening Date: April 2015 Big-name Vegas chef Alex Stratta has finally returned to his city, and he's coming back with guns blazing — and several restaurants in the works. Opening in April (the original projected debut was actually in December; there've been a few setbacks), Tapas by Alex Stratta will focus on small, Spanish-style plates. The location at Tivoli Village is perhaps the most noteworthy aspect, however, since it's still rare for prominent chefs like Stratta — who earned two Michelin stars for Alex at Wynn Las Vegas —  to go off-Strip. · All Alex Stratta Coverage [ELV]

Photo: Christopher DeVargas/Eater Vegas

Location: 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV Chef: Julian Serrano Projected Opening: April 2015 Lago will be chef Julian Serrano's third restaurant in Vegas, his second at the famed Bellagio (he also has the 15-year-old Picasso there). Eater Vegas shares a first look at the menu, which will be Italian through the lens of small-plate dining (though there are plenty of large dishes, too, like whole-roasted suckling pigs and one pound bone-in rib-eyes). Expect pizzas, pastas, crudos, and an impressive selection of vegan options at this fountain-facing stunner.  · All Lago Coverage [ELV]

Location: 3839 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV Partners: Bank Atcharawan, Aime Wanmaneesir Projected Opening: July 2015 Many of the biggest names in Vegas dining have homes inside the luxe casinos of the city's famous Strip, but some of the most exciting offerings are off the beaten path. Enter restaurateur Bank Atcharawan, an alum of the city's beloved Lotus of Siam restaurant and chef of Chada Thai & Wine, where Eater's Bill Addison described the food as "energized" and the wine list as "stellar." Atcharawan is now expanding — Chada Street will have an 80-seat dining room, bar seating, a private dining room, and 25 comfy couch seats. Chef Aime Wanmaneesir is helping Atcharawan in the kitchen; Eater Vegas says to expect Thai street food and affordable wines to go with it. · All Chada Street Coverage [ELV]

Location: 412 N Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA Chefs: Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo Projected Opening: April 2015 Last summer, chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo first told Eater that their plans for the Damiano space, located across the street from their hit restaurant Animal, included a "more approachable" restaurant to be called Jon and Vinny's. Fast forward several months and the chefs are getting ready to open the doors — the delays have piled up, but fervor is still high. Details about the restaurant remain scarce, but expect a more family-friendly environment than their other restaurants. · All Jon and Vinny's Coverage [ELA]

Location: 317 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA Chefs: Sara Kramer, Sarah Hymanson Projected Opening: April 2015 Madcapra Falafel is the first of two Los Angeles restaurants from chef and NYC expat Sara Kramer and her former sous chef Sarah Hymanson. The falafel shop is poised to open in the bustling Grand Central Market. The duo has previously promised "a fresh take on the falafel shop," with a menu focused on vegetables in both sandwich and salad form. And everything will be homemade, from the bread to the hot sauce. This opening has already been a bit delayed, but Eater LA reports that construction is well underway and an April opening looks likely. · All Madcapra Falafel Coverage [ELA]

Location: 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA Chef: Bryant Ng Projected Opening: June 2015 Chef Bryant Ng has been keeping quiet about the plans for his upcoming (slightly delayed) Santa Monica restaurant, but here's what Eater LA does know: Ng and wife Kim are opening a 5,500-square-foot space in an Art Deco building. They were invited to do so by the Rustic Canyon team, who will also open a wine bar and shop there in August called Esters (Kathryn and Tug Coker are co-owners in that project). Ng's restaurant will have "a full bar, large patio, and a wood-fired grill," and Eater LA reports that while the menu will "have some similarities to the one at the Spice Table, the concept itself won't be like the Little Tokyo eatery. Ng will have a larger kitchen and more gadgets to play with, and an expanded menu that stretches across the flavors of Southeast Asia."  · All Bryant Ng Coverage [ELA]

· Broken Spanish · Big Gay Ice Cream · The Hatchet Hall · Simbal · Le Petit Paris

Location: 313 W Johnson Street, Madison, WI Chef: Tory Miller Projected Opening: July/August 2015 Madison empire-builder Tory Miller is at it again, this time adding Spanish-inspired tapas to his portfolio (which includes Graze, Etoile, and Sujeo). In late 2014, Miller told Eater the space would feature a properly interactive tapas bar, featuring his takes on small plates: "I'm so inspired by Spain and by the risks chefs take there: following traditions but not [at the same time]." A press statement tells diners to expect "simplistically beautiful composed dishes, housemade charcuterie, incredible Iberian wines, and rich mahogany woodwork" at Estrellón when it opens this summer. · All Tory Miller Coverage [E]

Location: 80 Middle Street, Portland, ME Partners: Arlin Smith, Mike Wiley, Andrew Taylor  Projected Opening: March/April 2015 From the team behind national Eater 38 member Eventide Oyster Co. comes the Honey Paw, a " non-denominational noodle restaurant." Co-owners Arlin Smith, Mike Wiley, and Andrew Taylor have brought on chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly, who promises Eater Maine that steamed buns (the base of the popular Eventide lobster and fried oyster rolls) will make an appearance on the menu. On the beverage side, expect a broad range of wines (including some on tap and a "baller" reserve list) and no signature cocktail menus. · All the Honey Paw Coverage [EME]

Photo: Adam H. Callaghan/Eater Maine

Location: 4257 Nicollet Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN Partners: Nick Rancone, Thomas Boemer Projected Opening: Imminent Minneapolis is primed and ready for this relaxed restaurant from the Corner Table team, especially after a tease at this fall's Open Street Minneapolis event. There's not much you need to know beyond these key facts from Eater Minneapolis: "The menu will have three stars: fried chicken from a recipe the Southern-raised Boemer has perfected; a burger that is gunning for best in the city, made with house-ground grass-fed beef; and pulled pork barbecue."  · All Revival Coverage [EMPLS]

Location: 3753 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN Chef: Landon Schoenefeld Projected Opening: April 2015 This is an ambitious two-part project from HauteDish chef Landon Schoenefeld. Eater Minneapolis reports that Nighthawks — named for the famous Edward Hopper painting — will serve Schoenefeld's take on upscale diner fare. Within Nighthawks will eventually be Birdie, a " revolving pop-up restaurant" that will serve a tasting menu. A tour through Nighthawks' Facebook photostream shows comforting dishes like fried chicken, a double cheeseburger, and a hot dog topped with potato salad, pickled herring, cucumber, and trout roe. · All Nighthawks Coverage [EMPLS]

Location: 1515 5th Avenue N, Nashville, TN Chef: Daniel Lindley Projected Opening: Mid-April 2015 Delay after delay hasn't dulled enthusiasm for this restaurant from Chattanooga chef Daniel Lindley: It's aiming for spring opening now that interior construction has finally gotten underway. Lindley — a five-time semifinalist for the James Beard Best Chef: Southeast award — is planning to serve a "regional and seasonally focused American menu" in a truly massive space. · All 5th and Taylor Coverage [ENASH]

Location: 2381 St Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA Chef: Various Projected Opening: April 10, 2015 NOLA's eagerly awaited food hall concept is bringing several vendors under one historic roof, and Eater NOLA is calling it the city's " hands-down single biggest opening this spring." For several of the vendors, St. Roche represents an opportunity for a brick-and-mortar location — like for Dirty Dishes (a sweet-and-savory crepe truck), Elysian Seafood (a seafood shop from the duo behind the Splendid Pig pop-up), and PDR (small plates from the team behind the supper club of the same name). There will also be "no-frills Nigerian" at Lagos, international fare from hit pop-up Tallulah's, and a raw bar Curious Oyster Company from chef Melissa Martin.

· All St. Roch Market Coverage [ENOLA]

Location: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA Chef: Nina Compton Projected Opening: June 2015 "New Orleanians have been doing the happy dance since news first broke that Top Chef Season 11 runner up Nina Compton is moving to town to open her very first restaurant," reports Eater NOLA. Here's what we know so far: the menu will be "eclectic," with influences ranging from Italian to local NOLA fare to Compton's French training, and the vibe will lean towards gastropub. The restaurant will be located in the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, a boutique hotel opening in the Warehouse District. · All Nina Compton Coverage [ENOLA]

· Primitivo · Salon by Sucre · Roux Carre · The Paramount

Location: 835 6th Avenue, New York, NY Chef: George Mendes Projected Opening: Imminent The anticipation is mounting for George Mendes' second New York City restaurant, which has been a bit delayed. Reps note that the restaurant will be "a rustic place inspired by the cervejarias (beer halls) of Lisbon." Eater NY explains that the hotly anticipated Portuguese restaurant can be thought of as "the casual sibling to [Mendes'] Michelin-starred Aldea," and learned there will be a raw bar, coffee bar, and a take-out window. An early look inside revealed plenty of bar seating and a unique modern ceiling sculpture. · All Lupolo Coverage [ENY]

Location: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY Chef: Michael Anthony Projected Opening: May 1, 2015 Normally re-openings don't make this list, but in the case of Untitled, there's more new than old about it. Danny Meyer is moving his restaurant downtown, joining its home base of the Whitney Museum in a new Renzo Piano-designed building. With the new location comes a new chef: Michael Anthony, the James Beard Award-winning longtime chef/partner of Gramercy Tavern. Eater NY reports "Anthony will still be at the helm at Gramercy Tavern" and that "his sous chef Howard Kalachnikoff will be promoted to chef de cuisine, so it sounds like Anthony will be playing an active role in the Untitled kitchen when it opens." · All Untitled Coverage [ENY]

Location: 5 Madison Avenue, New York, NY Chef: Jason Atherton Projected Opening: May 2015 Onetime Gordon Ramsay protege and bona fide international empire builder Jason Atherton is touching down in New York City this spring. To help him navigate the NYC dining scene are project restaurateur Stephen Starr and Ian Schrager, whose upcoming Marriott Edition Hotel will be home to Atherton's restaurant. Details are still scarce at this point, but hopefully the restaurant will be a NYC counterpoint to Atherton's London flagship Pollen Street Social. PR is keeping mum, but the chef says he's shooting for a May opening. · All Jason Atherton Coverage [ENY]

Location: 567 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Chef: Missy Robbins Projected Opening: Late Spring/Early Summer 2015 After being one of New York City's top free-agent chefs and then guest cheffing/consulting around town, Missy Robbins is finally opening her own place in partnership with restaurateur Matt Kliegman. According to a press statement, the menu will "focus on fresh pastas, as well as fish, vegetables, and weekly meat specials prepared on a custom-built, wood-burning grill." Eater NY reports that Lilia will "seat about 70 people... and operate a small, separate takeout cafe with pastries." The target opening is still hazy at this point, with reps calling it "late spring/early summer." · All Missy Robbins Coverage [ENY]

Location: 641 Hudson Street, New York, NY Chef: Guenter Seeger Projected Opening: Late June 2015 German-born chef Guenter Seeger made quite a name for himself in Europe and then for 22 years in Atlanta (Buckhead, Seeger's). He decamped to New York City about eight years ago and has been quietly plotting his return to the kitchen ever since. He recently told Eater NY that his 38-seat restaurant's menu "will change almost every day. It will be around six courses, with a few options for each course" (the six-seven course tasting will cost roughly $120-$125). Of the interior he says, "It will be elegant, but without tablecloths. I don't want to build another four or five million dollar temple." Bonus round: He's starring in a documentary about the opening. · All Guenter Seeger NY Coverage [ENY]

Rendering and Photo: Official/William Berry

Location: 163 First Avenue, New York, NY Chef: David Chang Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Chef David Chang finally answered the long-lingering question of what he would do with the space that was once home to his two-Michelin-starred Ko (which moved): It'll soon be a fried chicken shop with expansion ambitions well beyond New York City. (Chang is calling this first location a "beta test.") Momofuku is notoriously tight-lipped prior to opening new restaurants, so the above projected open date is Eater's best guess based on Chang's many, many photos of fried chicken sandwiches (he's clearly ready!) and the fact that no restaurateur wants to sit on an empty space (especially with New York City rents!) — here's hoping. · All David Chang Coverage [ENY]

· O Ya · Jams · Maritima · Street Bird Rotisserie · Brooklyn Fare Manhattan · Laurent Torondel Restaurant · Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant · Le District · Dominique Ansel Kitchen

Location: 105 W Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC Chef: Ashley Christensen Projected Opening: May 2015 After initially announcing the project in 2013, chef/restaurateur Ashley Christensen is finally nearing an opening date for her long-awaited restaurant Death & Taxes. The name is inspired by the former tenants of the historical building (a funeral home and a bank) and, according to a press release, the restaurant will focus on wood-fired cooking in an open kitchen. There's also a companion project called Bridge Club, which will comprise the two floors above Death & Taxes. As originally announced, Bridge Club will be a private event space that's used for various event series, guest chef dinners, pop-ups, and other programs. · All Ashley Christensen Coverage [E]

Location: 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC Chef: Andrea Reusing Projected Opening: Late May 2015 After more than 10 years operating Chapel Hill's acclaimed restaurant Lantern, Beard Award-winning chef Andrea Reusing is finally opening a second restaurant, this time located at an upcoming boutique hotel in Durham. Reusing will be behind the hotel's restaurant and rooftop lounge, which promises great views and outdoor lounging space. She's keeping the details of the project close to the vest, but Reusing has told Eater that the restaurant "is not going to be a Lantern in Durham" and that she's aiming for a "community living room" vibe throughout the spaces. · All Andrea Reusing Coverage [E]

The Durham. Photo: Jeffrey L. Cohen

Location: 3519 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA Chef: Justin Severino Projected Opening: July 2015 In a former senator's office, star Pittsburgh chef Justin Severino (of Cure) is opening his second Lawrenceville restaurant, Morcilla. There'll be 54 seats, a small chef's counter, and a large private dining room. The theme here is Spanish-style dining — think a mix of tapas and large-format dishes from the oak-burning grill — but since it's Severino, charcuterie will also have a prominent role on the menu (the kitchen will have a curing station).  · All Justin Severino Coverage [E]

Location: 7783 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR Chef: Jason Barwikowski Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Normally re-openings wouldn't make it onto this list, but in the case of wood-fired pizzeria Tastebud in Portland, the rules needed breaking. The reason why is that Tastebud founder Mark Doxtader recently announced who would be leading the kitchen at Tastebud 2.0: chef Jason Barwikowski, the opening chef at both of Olympic Provisions Southeast and the Woodsman Tavern. To get a feel for what kind of pizza Barwikowski might be making when he takes control of the ovens at the new location, check out the pie he made for Eater Pizza Week. · All Tastebud Coverage [EPDX]

· Renata · Moon Pizza · Pream · Whims/Magarian/Huffman Unnamed Ham & Cocktail Bar

Location: 1490 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA Chef: Javier Plascencia Projected Opening: May 2015 Beloved Baja chef Javier Plascencia is going big with his next, slightly delayed San Diego restaurant: as in 4,800 square feet big. According to a press release, Bracero: Cocina Mexicana de Raiz will serve " modern Mexican [food] with both small and large plates, as well family-style shareable platters," while the beverages will focus on " Mexican spirits and Baja wine." The massive restaurant will have two floors: the first floor and bar will be more casual and walk-in only, while the second floor will be home to an additional bar and a reservations-only dining room. · All Bracero Coverage [ESD]

· Liberty Public Market · Sovereign Kitchen + Bar · Tijuana Food Hall · Eatery Green · The Crack Shack

Location: 1001 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, CA Chef: Brett Cooper Projected Opening: March 31, 2015 Delayed from its initially-projected fall opening, Aster is the Daniel Patterson restaurant group's next project with chef Brett Cooper. The restaurant will boast 45 seats, a chef's counter, and a living garden. Reps for DPG describe the food as "creative Californian," with a menu offering "familiar favorites, elevated through carefully sourced and housemade ingredients" and " impeccable technique." There's more to it: " This is the first of what DPG hopes to become an incubator program of sorts — providing the infrastructure for chefs to focus on the creative aspects of opening their own restaurants." Another interesting feature at Aster: no tipping. · All Aster Coverage [ESF]

Location: 92 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA Partners: Joshua Skenes, Adam Fleischman Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Joshua Skenes — of San Francisco's highly acclaimed and highly priced Saison — is getting ready to introduce San Francisco to his first-ever fast casual concept, created in partnership with veteran Umami Burger restaurateur Adam Fleischman. Fat Noodle will serve made-to-order, customizable bowls of Chinese noodles from an assembly line-style counter. "It's about creating the new vision for food in America," Fleischman previously told Eater."It's a good platform: People want Josh's food for 10 bucks." · All Fat Noodle Coverage [ESF]

· The Manufactory · Mensho Ramen · American Masala · Gabriela Camara Restaurant

Location: East Union Street, Seattle, WA Chef: Renee Erickson Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Seattle diners are eagerly awaiting chef Renee Erickson's first foray into the Capitol Hill neighborhood. She and her Sea Creatures restaurant group — which includes national Eater 38 member the Whale Wins — are opening two restaurants within a new development. Eater Seattle reports that there will be a 50-seat oyster bar "focused on the flavors of the French Atlantic" and the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. The second concept will be a 40-seat "Parisian-style cafe" with a focus on in-house dry-aged beef brought in from the restaurant's group's own farm. · All Renee Erickson's Coverage [ESEA]

· Shiro Kashiba Project · 7 Beef · Girin · Salare

Location: 1351 H Street NE, Washington, DC Chef: Erik Bruner-Yang Projected Opening: April 2015 Well over a year after Eater first put Maketto on its most anticipated national openings list, reps say the doors are finally going to open this April (and right in time to ride the food hall wave). Leading the charge is Toki Underground chef Erik Bruner-Yang, who is partnering with Will Sharp and chef de cuisine James Wozniuk on an Asian night market-inspired retail space, a restaurant, and a cafe. Vigilante Coffee will also have a home in Maketto, as will the growing bakery Frenchie's. Take a look back at the 2013 Maketto residency at DC's Hanoi House to learn more about the group's culinary point of view for its "communal marketplace and lifestyle brand." · All Maketto Coverage [EDC]

Location: 184 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD Chef: Edward Lee Projected Opening: Mid-June 2015 For his first restaurant outside of Louisville, chef/The Mind of a Chef season three star Edward Lee is going big. He's opening a 200-seat restaurant (his title for the project is actually "culinary director") with Knead Hospitality + Design. According to a press release, there'll be "a lofty main dining room and bar, flexible private dining space, and an outdoor fire-lit patio" all inspired by Southern architecture. Eater DC reports there will be "25 different bourbons and Southern staples like fried chicken and chess pie" and reps promise "familiar and surprising preparations of Southern comfort food." Bonus: The press release promises legendary Colonel Newsom's Aged Country Ham on the menu. · All Succotash Coverage [EDC]

Location: 1222 9th Street, NW Washington, DC Chef: Jeremiah Langhorne Projected Opening: July/August 2015 After leaving his post as chef de cuisine at Sean Brock's acclaimed Charleston restaurant McCrady's, Jeremiah Langhorne is just about ready to open the doors to his very own restaurant in DC. Eater DC reports that Langhorne "is planning a farm-to-table restaurant with a big hearth and a bar." Eater DC also notes that the Dabney is part of a larger boom bringing new restaurants to the Shaw neighborhood. · All The Dabney Coverage [EDC]

Location: 11th and I Street, Washington, DC Chef: David Chang Projected Opening: Summer 2015 Instead of diving into what we know about Momofuku's DC plans, let's cover what we don't: We don't know the actual full name of the restaurant — reps won't confirm, but it will probably be a Japanese-inspired word that has a cool macron accent mark like Shōtō, Daishō, and Seiōbo all do. We don't know the target opening date — reps won't confirm beyond "2015," but Christina Tosi recently told Eater that Milk Bar is aiming for a summer opening, and presumably the restaurant and bakery will open around the same time. We don't know the exact concept — reps won't confirm, but last summer the group said "the restaurant will be a new concept, but will also feature some of our favorite dishes from across our menus in New York, Sydney, and Toronto." · All Momofuku Coverage [EDC]

· Bad Saint · Pepita · Peter Chang Rockville

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